Spectrophotometric comparison of two porcelain systems, VMK master and VM13 with the VITA 3D‑master shade guide (An in vitro study)

Abstract

Background: Accurate shade matching of metal‑ceramic restorations with natural teeth is one
of the most challenging aspects of dental restorations and esthetic dentistry. The aim of this study
was to evaluate of the color parameters of two types of porcelain systems VMK Master and VM13
porcelain with VITA 3D‑master shade guide.
Materials and Methods:In this in vitro study a total of 56 metal discs (10 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness) were
fabricated. Each of the disks was veneered with porcelain (Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Sackingen, Germany)
of the VITA shade. The discs were randomly divided into four groups (2M2 and 3M2 from VM13,
2M2 and 3M2 from VMK master) of 14 (n = 14). The spectrophotometer was used for taking color
measurements based on the numerical color data of the CIELAB color system. Data analysis was
performed by t‑test (P < 0.05).
Results: Comparison of color parameters in different porcelain showed that the type of
porcelain caused a significant difference in color parameters (L, a, and b) (P < 0.05). The degree of
translucency (L*) or glaze of VMK porcelains was higher than VM13, but the parameters a* and b*
were higher in VM13 porcelains than VMK (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the color difference of two
porcelain in 2M2 (1.63 ± 0.84) and 3M2 (1.71 ± 0.96) shades was within the acceptable clinical
limit. Considering the total color difference (ΔE), there were no significant differences between
the ΔE values produced by any of shades (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: In the present study, the spectrophotometric analysis revealed that the porcelain shade
type causes a change in the color parameters, but the color difference between two porcelains
VMK and VM13 is within the acceptable range of clinical color. Therefore, both porcelain systems
with 2M2 and 3M2 shades are suitable for enhancing the results of restorative dentistry.
Key Words: Dental porcelain, shade matching, spectrophotometer, VMK master porcelain,
VITA VM13 porcelain